Portable tensegrity structure

ABSTRACT

A portable structure configured for erection with first and second front struts. The structure has a shell with front and rear edges. The shell has first and second strut couplers positioned adjacent the front edge that are configured to be coupled to first and second front struts, respectively. The shell has first and second tension members extending in a longitudinal direction away from the front and rear edges, respectively, when the shell is in an erect position. The first and second tension members are configured to be coupled to a ground surface or an external structure to tension the shell in the longitudinal direction when the shell is in the erect position. A rear strut is coupled to the shell when the shell is in the erect position. The portable structure is preferably a tent. The front struts may be provided separately from the tent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/994,342, filed on May 16, 2014, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of this disclosure relates generally to portable structuresand, more particularly, to a portable structure utilizing the principleof “tensegrity” (or tensional integrity) to provide a light weight,easy-to-use, stable structure.

2. Description of Related Art

Portable structures, such as tents, are typically used by backpackers,hikers, mountaineers, hunters, and others as temporary shelters. Sincethese portable structures are often carried by the user they should belight and compact making them easy for the user to carry. Additionally,the portable structures need to be structurally stable during use anderection of the structure should be relatively easy and quick.

There remains a need for portable structures, such as tents, that arelightweight, easy-to-use, and structurally stable even in harsh weatherconditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a portablestructure configured for erection with a first front strut and a secondfront strut. The structure has a shell that is moveable between a stowedposition and an erect position. A longitudinal direction of the shellextends between a front edge and a rear edge of the shell. The shell hasa first strut coupler that is positioned adjacent the front edge andthat is configured to be coupled to a first front strut. The shell has asecond strut coupler that is positioned adjacent the front edge and thatis configured to be coupled to a second front strut. The shell has afirst tension member extending in the longitudinal direction away fromthe front edge when the shell is in the erect position, and the shellhas a second tension member extending in the longitudinal direction awayfrom the rear edge when the shell is in the erect position. The firsttension member and the second tension member are each configured to becoupled to at least one of a ground surface or an external structure totension the shell in the longitudinal direction when the shell is in theerect position. The structure includes a rear strut that is coupled tothe shell adjacent the rear edge when the shell is in the erectposition.

The shell preferably includes a roof, a front wall coupled with theroof, and a rear wall coupled with the roof. The first and second strutcouplers are preferably pockets each positioned adjacent an upper edgeand a side edge of the front wall. The first and second tension membersmay be guylines or sheets with tie downs extending outward from thefront wall and rear wall, respectively. The structure preferably has aside wall including a door. No portion of the structure preferablyextends outward in a lateral direction in front of the door to provideunobstructed access to the door. The first and second front struts maybe trekking poles provided separately from the structure or tent poles.The structure preferably includes a third strut coupler that isconfigured to be coupled with the first front strut and that is spacedfrom the first strut coupler in a lateral direction, and a fourth strutcoupler that is configured to be coupled with the second front strut andthat is spaced from the second strut coupler in a lateral direction. Theconfiguration of the structure allows it to be lightweight, portable,and relatively easy to erect and take down. Further, the configurationprovides substantial volume inside the structure adjacent the front wallfor a person's head and shoulders.

Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages andnovel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learnedfrom the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of theinvention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalitiesand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of one suitable embodiment of a portablestructure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a foot end elevational view of the tent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the tent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a head end elevational view of the tent of FIG. 1 with a frontportion of a roof not shown.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tent of FIG. 1 showing the directionof forces exerted on the shell and struts.

FIG. 7 is a detail view showing one suitable embodiment of a strutsecuring assembly for the tent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another suitable embodiment of aportable structure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the tent of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a foot end elevational view of the tent of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the tent of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a front and side wall of the tent ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of yet another suitable embodiment ofa portable structure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a foot end elevational view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a top view illustrating another suitable embodiment of astrut securing assembly for the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a side view of an embodiment of a tensegrity support assemblysuitable for use in the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 21 is a head end perspective view of the tensegrity supportassembly of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one suitableembodiment of a portable structure of the present disclosure in the formof a tent, indicated generally at 10. It is understood, however, thatthe portable structure of the present disclosure can have other suitableforms besides the illustrated tent 10 (e.g., a canopy or sunshade)without departing from some aspects of this disclosure. The tent 10 isselectively moveable between an erect, use position 11 as seen in FIGS.1-6 and a collapsed, stowed position (not shown). In the erect position,the tent 10 is adapted to provide shelter to one or more users(occupants). The illustrated tent 10, for example, is adapted to provideshelter for two occupants. In the stowed position, the tent 10, which inone suitable embodiment is relatively lightweight, can be readilytransported and/or stowed.

In the embodiment of the portable structure illustrated in FIGS. 1-6,the tent 10 includes an elongate shell, generally designated at 12, arear strut 50, and front struts 52 a-b, which in combination form a“tensegrity” (or tensional integrity) support assembly 14. As seen inFIGS. 1-5, the shell 12 of the illustrated embodiment includes a roof16, a pair of side walls 18, a front wall 20, a rear wall 22, and afloor 24. A longitudinal direction of shell 12 extends between the frontand rear walls 20 and 22, and a lateral direction of shell 12 extendsbetween the side walls 18 in a direction that is generally perpendicularto the longitudinal direction. The roof 16, side walls 18, front wall20, rear wall 22, and floor 24 cooperatively define an interior chamber27 of the shell 12. Roof 16, side walls 18, front wall 20, rear wall 22,and floor 24 are each preferably substantially formed of at least onesheet of lightweight fabric. In the illustrated embodiment, the interiorchamber 27 is sized and shaped to accommodate two adult occupants. Forexample, FIG. 4 illustrates two conventional sleeping bags 29 beingdisposed in the interior chamber 27 of the shell 12. It is understood,however, the interior chamber 27 can have any suitable size and shapewithout departing from some aspects of this invention. In other suitableembodiments, for example, the interior chamber can be sized and shapedfor accommodating one adult occupant or more than two (e.g., three,four) adult occupants. In the erect position, the tent 10, and morespecifically the combination of the shell 12, rear strut 50, and frontstruts 52 a-b, is configured to provide a stable structure even duringharsh conditions.

As shown in FIG. 4, roof 16 includes a front portion 25, a middleportion 26, and a rear portion 28. With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2,the front portion 25 of the roof 16 is forward the front wall 20 of theshell 12 and inclines generally from or adjacent to a ground surface 65upon which the tent 10 is placed and an upper edge 20 a (FIG. 1) of thefront wall 20. In one suitable embodiment, the front portion 25 of theroof 16 includes a sheet of material and one or more tie downs 30 a-b(two tie downs being seen in FIG. 2) for securing the forward end of thefront portion 25 to the ground surface 65. The tie downs 30 a-b can besecured to the ground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tentstake, sand bags or otherwise (not shown) secured directly or indirectlyto the ground surface 65. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 30a-b can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown)capable of holding the front portion 25 of the roof 16 in the desiredposition. Front portion 25 may consist of one or more tie downs 30 a-b,guylines, or tension member(s) extending outward from the upper edge 20a of the front wall 20 and coupled to the ground surface 65 or structurefor tensioning middle portion 26, in which case the sheet of material ofthe front portion 25 would be omitted.

As seen in FIG. 2, the front portion 25 of the roof 16 in cooperationwith the front wall 20 of the shell 12 defines a covered area 32suitable for storage of gear or other items outside the interior chamber27. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion 25 is configured toprovide protection to the front wall 20 of the shell 12 and covered area32 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun). In theillustrated embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the frontportion 25 is generally a trapezoid having an upper edge 25 a where thefront portion 25 meets the middle portion 26 and an upper edge 20 a(FIG. 5) of front wall 20. A lower edge 25 b extends adjacent the groundsurface 65 generally parallel to the upper edge 20 a. A pair of taperedside edges 25 c-d extend between and connect the upper and lower edges25 a, 25 b. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower edge 25 b is longerthan the upper edge 25 a to facilitate forming covered area 32. Thelower edge 25 b of the illustrated embodiment is approximately 106inches and the upper edge 25 a is approximately 74 inches. The distancefrom lower edge 25 b to front wall 20 along the ground surface 65 ispreferably approximately 20 inches. The length and distancing at thelower edge 25 b facilitate forming covered area 32 while maintainingstructure and rigidity of front portion 25. It is contemplated, however,that the front portion 25 of the roof 16 can have any suitable size andshape.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the middle portion 26 of the roof16 extends downward from upper edge 20 a of front wall 20 and upper edge25 a of front portion 25 to adjacent the top of the rear wall 22. Inother words, the middle portion 26 of the roof 16 extends between thefront and rear walls 20, 22 of the shell 12. In the illustratedembodiment, the middle portion 26 transitions from a generally planarsurface 26 a near the front wall 20 to a rounded surface 26 b near therear wall 22. In the illustrated embodiment as seen in FIG. 3, themiddle portion 26 of the roof 16 is arcuate and, more specificallysemi-circular, adjacent the rear wall 22. Moreover and with reference toFIG. 4, the middle portion 26 tapers longitudinally inward as it extendsbetween the front wall 20 and the rear wall 22 of the shell 12. As aresult, the lateral extent of the middle portion 26 is greater adjacentthe front wall 20 than adjacent the rear wall 22. Middle portion 26 isjoined to an upper edge of side wall 18 along a seam 31 (FIG. 1). Middleportion 26 has an awning 26 c (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) extending laterallyoutward from seam 31, side wall 18 and floor 24. Middle portion 26 has asimilar awning 26 d (FIGS. 3 and 4) on its opposite side. Middle portion26 has a front edge 26 e and a rear edge 26 f, which can be consideredfront and rear edges of the entire shell 12 because front and rearportions 25 and 28 may be substantially omitted from the shell 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear portion 28 of the roof 16 is rearwardof the rear wall 22 of the shell 12 and declines generally from oradjacent to a top of the rear wall 22 to adjacent the ground surface 65upon which the tent 10 is placed. In one suitable embodiment, the rearportion 28 of the roof 16 includes a sheet of material and one or moretie downs 33 (one tie down being illustrated in FIG. 1) for securing therearward end of the rear portion 28 to the ground surface 65. The tiedown 33 can be secured to the ground surface 65, for example, using aconventional tent stake, sand bags, or otherwise (not shown) secureddirectly or indirectly to the ground surface 65. It is also contemplatedthat the tie downs 33 can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitablestructure (not shown) capable of holding the rear portion 28 of the roof16 in the desired position. As seen in FIG. 1, the rear portion 28 ofthe roof 16 is configured to provide protection to the rear wall 22 ofthe shell 12 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun).Rear portion 28 may consist of just one or more tie downs 33, guylines,or tension member(s) extending outward from the upper edge of rear wall22 and coupled to the ground surface 65 or structure for tensioningmiddle portion 26, in which case the sheet of material of the rearportion 28 would be omitted.

With reference now to FIG. 2, each of the side walls 18 of theillustrated embodiment of the tent 10 is generally triangular in shape.While only the right side wall 18 is shown in FIG. 2 and described indetail below, the left side wall has substantially the same structure.Side wall 18 defines an acute triangle with an upper edge joined to roof16, a front edge joined to front wall 20, and a lower edge joined tofloor 24. As a result of the generally triangular side walls 18, theinterior chamber 27 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 10 has asubstantially greater volume in a head end of the tent adjacent frontwall 20 as compared to the volume in a foot end of the tent adjacentrear wall 22. It is understood, however, that the side walls 18 can haveany suitable shape including, e.g., any suitable quadrilateral withoutdeparting from some aspects of this invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, side wall 18 comprises an upper panel 34and a lower panel 36. Upper panel 34 is made at least in part of asuitable mesh material (or screen) 38 to provide ventilation andopenness to the interior chamber 27 of the shell 12. In one suitableembodiment, upper panel 34 includes a closure panel 40 selectivelymoveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overliesthe mesh material 38 and an opened position wherein the closure panel isspaced from the mesh material. Closure panel 40 is illustrated in theopened position in FIGS. 1 and 2. Closure panel 40 can be held in theclosed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, pegand loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps). The mesh material 38 ofat least one side wall 18 is selectively moveable between an openedposition for allowing users of the tent 10 ingress to and egress fromthe interior chamber 27 of the shell 12, and a closed position, which isshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the mesh material 38 forms a door of thetent 10 in side wall 18.

The front wall 20, which can be seen in FIG. 5, is generally anisosceles trapezoid having the upper edge 20 a, a lower edge 20 b, andtwo side edges 20 c-d extending between and connecting the upper andlower edges 20 a, 20 b. Upper edge 20 a is joined to upper edge 25 a offront portion 25 of roof 16, lower edge 20 b is joined to floor 24, sideedge 20 c is joined to one side wall 18, and side edge 20 d is joined tothe opposite side wall 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper edge20 a is longer (i.e., has a greater length) than the lower edge 20 b.Thus, the side edges 20 c-d taper inward as they extend from the longerupper edge 20 a to the shorter lower edge 20 b. In the illustratedembodiment, for example, the upper edge 20 a has a length ofapproximately 74 inches and the lower edge 20 b has a length ofapproximately 50 inches. It is contemplated, however, that the frontwall 20 can have any suitable size and shape. The longer upper edge 20 aprovides more volume for a person's head and shoulders when sittingwithin tent 10 adjacent front wall 20.

As explained above, the upper edge 25 a (FIG. 4) of the front portion 25of the roof 16, which is aligned with the upper edge 20 a (FIG. 5) ofthe front wall 20, also has a length of approximately 74 inchesgenerally at the front wall 20. As a result, the roof 16 (morespecifically awnings 26 c and 26 d) extends laterally beyond the loweredge 20 b of the front wall 20, which is aligned with the forward edgeof the floor 24, to define a drip line DL (FIGS. 4-5). As shown in FIG.5, the drip line DL on each side of the illustrated tent 10 isapproximately 12 inches. It is understood that the drip line DL can beany suitable distance from the shell 12 without departing from someaspects of this disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the front wall 20 includes a pair of pockets42 a-b. Pocket 42 a is disposed adjacent the intersection of upper edge20 a and side edge 20 d, and pocket 42 b is disposed adjacent theintersection of upper edge 20 a and the opposite side edge 20 c. Asdescribed in more detail below, each of the pockets 42 a-b is sized andshaped for receiving and thereby capturing first and second struts 52a-b such as, for example only, a handle of a conventional trekking poleor any other suitable pole (e.g., a conventional tent pole). It iscontemplated that other suitable strut coupling means for coupling frontwall 20 to first and second front struts 52 a-b can be used besidespockets 42 a-b without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.Alternatively, the strut coupling means or pockets 42 a-b could also beformed in roof 16.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front wall 20 includes a central panel 44and a peripheral panel 46 surrounding the central panel 44 and definingthe outer edges of the front wall 20. The central panel 44 of theillustrated front wall 20 is made at least in part of a suitable meshmaterial (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to the interiorchamber 27 of the shell 12. In one suitable embodiment, the centralpanel 44 includes a closure panel (not shown but similar to the closurepanels 40 of the side walls 18) selectively moveable between a closedposition wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material and anopened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the meshmaterial. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using anysuitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop,buttons, and/or snaps).

With reference now to FIG. 3, the rear wall 22 of the illustrated shell12 includes a generally semi-circular panel. Rear wall 22 has asemi-circular, upper edge joined to the portion of roof 16 where middleportion 26 and rear portion 28 are joined. A lower edge of rear wall 22is joined to floor 24. In one suitable embodiment, the rear wall 22 ismade at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) to provideventilation and openness to the interior chamber 27 of the shell 12. Insuch an embodiment, the rear wall 22 suitably includes a closure panel(not shown but similar to the closure panels 40 of the side walls 18)selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure paneloverlies the mesh material and an opened position wherein the closurepanel is spaced from the mesh material. The closure panel can be held inthe closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener,peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps). It is contemplatedthat the rear wall 22 can have any suitable size and shape. Rear wall 22includes a sleeve 47 formed along the majority of its semi-circular,upper edge for receiving rear strut 50 as described in more detailbelow. Sleeve 47 could also be formed in roof 16.

The floor 24, which is best seen in FIG. 4, is adapted to lie inface-to-face engagement with the ground surface 65 when the tent 10 isin the erect position. In one suitable embodiment, the floor 24 includesa generally rectangular floor panel 48 and a peripheral side wall 49(FIG. 1) that extends upward a suitable distance (e.g., six inches) fromthe floor panel 48. The floor 24 is attached, such as by stitching, tothe side walls 18, the front wall 20, and the rear wall 22 along anupper edge of the side wall 49. As a result, any seams or stitch linesformed by attaching the floor 24 to the side walls 18, the front wall20, and the rear wall 22 are spaced from the ground surface 65. Straps51 a-d (FIG. 4) are attached to floor 24 and include tie downs extendingoutward from the floor 24 for staking floor 24 to the ground surface 65.Floor 24 has a length of preferably approximately 88 inches and a widthof preferably approximately 46 inches. Alternatively, the floor 24 caninclude any dimensioning to enable the shell 12 to function as describedherein.

In the illustrated embodiment and as seen in FIG. 4, the roof 16 iswider than the floor 24 along a significant portion of its length. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the roof 16 is wider than the floor 24 alongalmost its entire length. The width of the illustrated roof 16, however,is tapered and does approach the width of the floor 24 adjacent the rearpanel 22 of the shell 12. Moreover, the roof 16 is substantially longerthan the floor 24. Thus, in one suitable embodiment, the roof 16 has aprojected surface area that is substantially greater than the projectedsurface area of the floor 24.

In one suitable embodiment, the tensegrity support assembly 14 comprisesshell 12 and a three strut tensegrity prism including the rear strut 50and the pair of front struts 52 a-b. Each of the three struts 50, 52 a-bis under compression when the tent 10 is erected and is independent ofthe other two struts. That is, the struts 50, 52 a-b are not directlyconnected to each other. Rather, the struts 50, 52 a-b are indirectlyconnected by shell 12, which is under tension in the erect position.Front struts 52 a-b may be provided separately from tent 10.

When at least a portion of shell 12 is under substantially tensionalstress and each strut 50, 52 a-b is under substantially compressivestress, the tensile and compressive stresses cooperate to enhance themechanical stability of the support assembly 14 and thus the tent 10.That is, the shell 12 will remain under tension and the struts 50, 52a-b will remain under compression as stress to the tensegrity supportassembly 14 increases. For example, an external force applied to eitherthe shell 12 or one of the struts 50, 52 a-b of the tensegrity supportassembly 14 is opposed by at least one of the remaining shell andstruts.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the rear strut 50 is asemicircular hoop that is partially received by the sleeve 47 of shell12. Ends of rear strut 50 are received by grommets (not shown) in straps51 c-d. When rear strut 50 is inserted within sleeve 47 and the grommetsof straps 51 c-d, rear strut 50 tensions rear wall 22, which in turnplaces rear strut 50 in compression. In order to position the ends ofrear strut 50 within the grommets of straps 51 c-d, the ends of rearstrut 50 are flexed toward each other such that when the rear strut 50is positioned within the grommets, the rear strut 50 places the rearwall 22 in tension along the line 53 a shown in FIG. 6 between points Eand F. Rear strut 50 is also sized such that when inserted within sleeve47, the rear strut 50 tensions rear wall 22 in radial directions from amidpoint of the lower edge of rear wall 22 outward to the upper,semi-circular edge of rear wall 22, such as along the line 53 b shown inFIG. 6. It is contemplated that the rear strut 50 can have any suitablesize and/or shape. For example, in the embodiment of tent shown in FIGS.17 and 18, the rear strut 250 is a straight rod. It is furthercontemplated that in some suitable embodiments, the single rear strut 50described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings can be replacedwith a plurality of rear struts. In one such embodiment, for example,the support assembly 14 can comprise a pair of independent, rear struts,which may be similar to front struts 52 a-b.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 and as seen in FIG. 5, each of the frontstruts 52 a-b is a conventional trekking pole. It is understood,however, that any suitable pole including conventional tent poles candefine the front struts 52 a-b. In one suitable embodiment, the frontstruts 52 a-b are conventional, selectively adjustable trekking poles,such as the Upslope 2.0 trekking poles or the Range 2.0 trekking polesavailable from Kelty of Boulder, Colo., U.S.A. As such, the length (orheight) of the front struts 52 a-b (i.e., the adjustable trekking poles)can be selectively adjusted to the desired length.

In another suitable embodiment, the conventional trekking poles can befixed length poles. That is, the trekking poles are not adjustable. Thefixed length trekking poles can have any suitable fixed lengthincluding, for example, any one of 100 cm, 105 cm, 110 cm, 115 cm, 120cm, 125 cm, 130 cm, 145 cm, and 155 cm so long as the length of thetrekking pole is greater than the height of the front wall 20 of theshell 12. The trekking poles need to have a sufficient length to extendfrom the ground surface 65 to one of the pockets 42 a-b on the frontwall 20 of the shell 12. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates trekking poles52 a-b having a length of 120 cm and each having one end received in oneof pockets 42 a-b on the front wall 20 of the shell 12 and extending toanother end adjacent the ground surface 65. Alternate trekking poles 52′and 52″ are shown in dashed lines and preferably have lengths of 130 cmand 145 cm, respectively. As seen in FIG. 5, the longer trekking pole52″ (145 cm) is angled more, relative to the ground surface 65, than theshorter trekking poles 52 a-b and 52′ (120 cm and 130 cm) to accommodatethe additional length. Each front strut 52 a-b forms an acute angle withrespect to the ground surface 65, one of which is shown as A in FIG. 5.Angle A is greater for a shorter strut 52 a-b than for a longer strut 52a-b. Front struts 52 a-b are configured to form any angle relative tothe ground surface 65.

The trekking pole (or other suitable pole, e.g., conventional tentpoles, used for the front struts 52 a-b) can be secured to the groundsurface 65 or adjacent the ground surface 65 using any suitable means.In one embodiment, tips of the trekking poles are penetrated into theground surface 65. In another embodiment, such as illustrated in FIG. 7,a suitable strut securing assembly, indicated generally at 60, can beused in addition to or instead of the tip of the trekking pole 52 abeing penetrated into the ground surface 65. The strut securing assembly60 includes a strip 62 secured (e.g., stitched) to the floor panel 48 offloor 24. Strip 62 has a plurality of spaced-apart slots 64. A strap 66having a catch 68 at one end and a circular grommet 70 for capturing theend of one of the front struts 52 a-b adjacent the other is selectivelyattachable to the strip 62 by inserting the catch 68 into one of theslots 64 in the strip 62. The strap 66 can be readily moved along thelength of the strip 62 to accommodate struts 52 a-b (e.g., trekkingpoles) having various lengths by inserting the catch 68 into the desiredslot 64. While only one strap 66 is illustrated in FIG. 7, it is readilyunderstood that two straps 66 can be provided—one strap 66 for each ofthe front struts 52 a-b. Tent 10 may also use the strut securingassembly 260 shown in FIG. 19. Strut securing assembly 60 may be coupledto struts 52 a-b with another type of strut coupler besides grommet 70.

When front struts 52 a-b are inserted within pockets 42 a-b and thegrommets 70 of straps 66, the front struts 52 a-b tension front wall 20thereby placing the front struts 52 a-b in compression along the lines55 a-b shown in FIG. 6. Front struts 52 a-b tension front wall 20 withforces directed in the opposite directions as the lines 55 a-b. Frontstruts 52 a-b also tension front wall 20 and roof 16 in a directionalong the line 53 c in FIG. 6 between points C and D. As shown in FIG.5, the grommet 70 coupled to first strut 52 a is spaced in a lateraldirection from first pocket 42 a, and the grommet 70 coupled to secondstrut 52 b is spaced in a lateral direction from second pocket 42 b.Laterally spacing the grommets 70 and pockets 42 a-b creates the acuteangle A between the first and second struts 52 a-b and the groundsurface 65.

Tie downs 30 a-b and 33 are secured to the ground surface 65 such thatroof 16 is in tension in a longitudinal direction of the tent 10substantially along the lines 53 d-f shown in FIG. 6. Placing roof 16 intension via tie downs 30 a-b and 33 lifts side walls 18, front wall 20,and rear wall 22 to position them substantially vertically as shown inFIGS. 1-6 (as shown in FIG. 2, front and rear walls 20 and 22 areslightly inclined toward each other). Middle portion 26 of roof 16 is intension in the directions 53 d and 53 f because of tie downs 30 a-b and33 and front struts 52 a-b. Middle portion 26 of roof 16 is also intension in the direction 53 a because middle portion 26 is joined to theupper edge of rear wall 22. Middle portion 26 of roof 16 is in tensionin the direction 53 c because middle portion 26 is joined to the upperedge 20 a of front wall 20. Front portion 25 of roof 16 is in tensionalong the direction 53 e because of tie downs 30 a-b and 33 and frontstruts 52 a-b. Front portion 25 of roof 16 is also in tension along theline 53 c because front portion 25 is joined to the upper edge 20 a offront wall 20. Roof 16 is placed in tension substantially along alongitudinal direction of tent 10 extending from front wall 20 to rearwall 22.

Advantageously, the tensegrity support assembly 14 of the presentdisclosure eliminates the need for guylines extending laterally outwardfrom tent 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to side walls 18. Incontrast, tie downs 30 a-b and 33 extend generally longitudinallyoutward from tent 10 in a direction extending outward from front andrear walls 20 and 22. A guyline, as used herein, is a rope or cablelocated on the exterior of the tent and under tension that is used toanchor the tent to the ground surface 65 (e.g., with a tent stake). As aresult, guylines apply a pulling force on the tent. The tent 10illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 is free of guylines extending laterally outwardfrom the tent 10. Specifically, there are no guylines or other portionsof the tent extending laterally outward in front of either side wall 18that would hinder access to the side wall 18 from the exterior of thetent 10. As mentioned above, a user can enter and exit the tent 10through the mesh material 38 of the side walls 18 that is selectivelymoveable between an opened and a closed position. Since the tent 10 doesnot have any guylines extending laterally outward from the tent 10,access to the tent entrance/exit is uninhibited by guylines.

Alternatively, shell 12 may include cables, wires, or ropes (not shown),such as the cables 354 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 and described in moredetail below with respect to tent 210. For example, front struts 52 a-bmay be connected by cables extending between points A, B, C, and D shownin FIG. 6. The rear strut 50 may be connected to the pair of frontstruts 52 a-b by cables extending between point G and points C, Dthrough point H. The rear strut 50 may be further connected to the pairof front struts 52 a-b by cables extending between point G and points A,B, C, D through points E, F. The pair of front struts 52 a-b and therear strut 50 are connected to the ground surface 65 through therespective tie downs 30 a-b, 33 at points I, J. The cables connectingthe three struts 50, 52 a-b are under tension during use and areconfigured to supply a substantially compressive stress to each of thestruts 50, 52 a-b. In such a configuration, the cables may be looselyconnected to the sheet(s) of fabric material making up the remainder ofshell 12. Alternatively, the cables may be removably coupled to theshell 12 or integrally coupled to the shell 12.

In one suitable embodiment, the tent 10 is lightweight. Suitably, thetent 10 is less than 7 pounds, more suitably less than 5 pounds and evenmore suitably less than 3 pounds. It is understood, however, that inother suitable embodiments, the tent 10 can weigh more than 7 pounds(i.e., not be a lightweight tent) without departing from some aspects ofthis disclosure.

Tent 10 may be set up in alternate configurations than those shown inFIGS. 1-6. For example, roof 16 may include a pair guylines (not shown)each extending substantially adjacent from one of pockets 42 a-b outwardto where one of the tie downs 30 a-b is positioned. The guylines can bestaked to the ground to tension tent 10 in a substantially similarmanner as the front portion 25 of roof 16. In such a configuration, thefront portion 25 of roof 16 can be rolled up along the upper edge offront wall 20 providing more visibility through the front wall 20. Theguylines may also replace the front portion 25 of roof 16 such thatfront portion 25 is omitted from the tent 10. Further, instead of beingrolled up, the front portion 25 of roof 16 can be positioned so that itis generally horizontal extending outward from the upper edge of frontwall 20. In this position, a pair of poles (not shown) supports thecorners of front portion 25 along lower edge 25 b, and a pair ofguylines (not shown) extend from these corners to the ground surface 65to tension the front portion 25.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate another suitable embodiment of a portablestructure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent, indicatedgenerally at 110. Tent 110 is substantially similar to the tent 10described above with the exception that tent 110 is designed for oneperson. To the extent that tent 110 is not described in detail below, itmay have the same configuration and structure as described above withrespect to tent 10. The tent 110 is selectively moveable between anerect, use position as seen in FIGS. 8-12 and a collapsed, stowedposition (not shown). In the use position, the tent 110 is adapted toprovide shelter to one or more users (occupants). The illustrated tent110, for example, is adapted to provide shelter for a single occupant.In the stowed position, the tent 110, which in one suitable embodimentis relatively lightweight, can be readily transported and/or stowed.

In the embodiment of the portable structure illustrated in FIGS. 8-12,the tent 110 comprises an elongate shell, generally designated at 112,rear strut 150, and front struts 152 a-b, which in combination form a“tensegrity” (or tensional integrity) support assembly. The tensegritysupport assembly of this embodiment is similar to the tensegrity supportassembly 14 of tent 10 and therefore will not be described in detail. Asseen in FIGS. 8-12, the shell 112 of the illustrated embodiment includesa roof 116, a pair of side walls 118, a front wall 120, a rear wall 122and a floor 124. The roof 116, side walls 118, front wall 120, rear wall122, and floor 124 cooperatively define an interior chamber 127 of theshell 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior chamber 127 issized and shaped to accommodate a single adult occupant. For example,FIG. 11 illustrates one conventional sleeping bag 129 disposed in theinterior chamber 127 of the shell 112 such that interior chamber 127 isformed to allow a single user to lie down within it. It is understood,however, the interior chamber 127 can have any suitable size and shapewithout departing from some aspects of this invention. In other suitableembodiments, for example, the interior chamber 127 can be sized andshaped for accommodating more than one (e.g., two (as seen in FIG. 4)three, or four) adult occupant. In the erect position, the tent 110, andmore specifically the combination of the shell 112 and struts 150 and152 a-b, is configured to provide a stable structure even during harshconditions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 116 includes a front portion125, a middle portion 126 and a rear portion 128. With reference now toFIGS. 8 and 9, the front portion 125 of the roof 116 is forward thefront wall 120 of the shell 112 and inclines generally from or adjacentto the ground surface 65 upon which the tent 110 is placed and a top ofthe front wall 120. In one suitable embodiment, the front portion 125 ofthe roof 116 includes one or more tie downs 130 a-b (two tie downs beingseen in FIG. 9) for securing the forward end of the front portion 125 tothe ground surface 65. The tie downs 130 a-b can be secured to theground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tent stake, sandbags, or otherwise (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to theground surface 65. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 130 a-bcan be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown)capable of holding the front portion 125 of the roof 116 in the desiredposition.

As seen in FIG. 9, the front portion 125 of the roof 116 in cooperationwith the front wall 120 of the shell 112 defines a covered area 132suitable for storage of gear or other items outside the interior chamber127. The front portion 125 is configured to provide protection to thefront wall 120 of the shell 112 and covered area 132 from the elements(e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun). In the illustrated embodimentas shown in FIG. 11, for example, the front portion 125 is generally atrapezoid having an upper edge 125 a where the front portion 125 meetsthe middle portion 126, a longer lower edge 125 b that extends adjacentthe ground surface 65 and generally parallel to the upper edge 125 a,and a pair of tapered side edges 125 c-d that extend between and connectthe upper and lower edges 125 a-b (FIG. 11). As mentioned, the loweredge 125 b is longer than the upper edge 125 a. The lower edge 125 b ofthe illustrated embodiment is approximately 85 inches and the upper edge125 a is approximately 54 inches. The distance from lower edge 125 b tofront wall 120 is preferably approximately 20 inches. In the exemplaryembodiment, the lower edge 125 b is longer than the upper edge 125 a tofacilitate forming the covered area 132. It is contemplated, however,that the front portion 125 of the roof 116 can have any suitable sizeand shape.

With reference again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the middle portion 126 of theroof 116 extends downward from the top of the front wall 120 of theshell 112 to adjacent the top of the rear wall 122. In other words, themiddle portion 126 of the roof 116 extends between the front and rearwalls 120, 122 of the shell 112. In the illustrated embodiment, themiddle portion 126 transitions from a generally planar surface 126 anear the front wall 120 to a rounded surface 126 b near the rear wall122. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment and as best seen in FIG. 10,the middle portion 126 of the roof 116 is arcuate and, more specificallysemi-circular, adjacent the rear wall 122. Moreover and with referenceto FIG. 11, the middle portion 126 tapers longitudinally inward as itextends between the front wall 120 and the rear wall 122 of the shell112. As a result, the lateral extent of the middle portion 126 isgreater adjacent the front wall 120 than adjacent the rear wall 122.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the rear portion 128 of the roof 116 isrearward of the rear wall 122 of the shell 112 and declines generallyfrom or adjacent to a top of the rear wall 122 to the ground surface 65upon which the tent 110 is placed. In one suitable embodiment, the rearportion 128 of the roof 116 includes one or more tie downs 133 (one tiedown being illustrated in FIG. 8) for securing the rearward end of therear portion 122 to the ground surface 65. The tie down 133 can besecured to the ground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tentstake, sand bags, or otherwise (not shown) secured directly orindirectly to the ground. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 133can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown)capable of holding the rear portion 128 of the roof 116 in the desiredposition. As seen in FIG. 8, the rear portion 128 of the roof 116 isconfigured to provide protection to the rear wall 122 of the shell 112from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun).

With reference now to FIG. 9, each of the side walls 118 of theillustrated embodiment of the tent 110 is generally triangular in shape.Specifically, each of the illustrated side walls 118 defines an acutetriangle. As a result of the generally triangular side walls 118, theinterior chamber 127 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 110 has asubstantially greater volume in a head end of the tent 110 as comparedto the volume in a foot end of the tent 110. It is understood, however,that the side walls 118 can have any suitable shape including, e.g., anysuitable quadrilateral without departing from some aspects of thisinvention.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side walls 118 comprises anupper panel 134 and a lower panel 136. The upper panels 134 of theillustrated side walls 118 are made at least in part of a suitable meshmaterial (or screen) 138 to provide ventilation and openness to theinterior chamber 127 of the shell 112. In one suitable embodiment, theupper panel 134 of each of the side walls 118 includes a closure panel140 selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closurepanel 140 overlies the mesh material 138 and an opened position whereinthe closure panel 140 is spaced from the mesh material 138. The closurepanels 140 of the upper panels 134 of each side wall 118 are illustratedin the opened position in FIGS. 8 and 9 and closed position in FIG. 12.The closure panels 140 can be held in the closed position using anysuitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop,buttons, and/or snaps). The mesh material 138 of at least one of theillustrated side walls 118 is selectively moveable between an openedposition for allowing users of the tent 110 ingress to and egress fromthe interior chamber 127 of the shell 112, and a closed position, whichis shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The front wall 120, which can be seen in FIG. 12, is generally anisosceles trapezoid having an upper edge 120 a, a lower edge 120 b, andtwo side edges 120 c-d extending between and connecting the upper andlower edges 120 a-b. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper edge 120 ais longer (i.e., has a greater length) than the lower edge 120 b. Thus,the side edges 120 c-d taper inward as they extend from the longer upperedge 120 a to the shorter lower edge 120 b. In the illustratedembodiment, for example, the upper edge 120 a of the front wall 120 hasa length of approximately 54 inches and the lower edge 120 b of thefront wall 120 has a length of approximately 26 inches. It iscontemplated, however, that the front wall 120 can have any suitablesize and shape.

As explained above, the upper edge 125 a (FIG. 11) of the front portion125 of the roof 116, which is aligned with the upper edge 120 a (FIG.12) of the front wall 120, also has a length of approximately 54 inchesgenerally at the front wall 120. As a result, the roof 116 extendslaterally beyond the lower edge of the front wall 120, which is alignedwith the forward edge of the floor 124, to define a drip line DL (FIG.11). The drip line DL on each side of the illustrated tent 110 isapproximately 12 inches. It is understood, that the drip line DL can beany suitable distance without departing from some aspects of thisdisclosure.

The front wall 120 includes a pair of pockets 142 a-b. One of thepockets 142 a-b is disposed adjacent the intersection of the upper edge120 a and one of the side edges 120 c-d, and the other pocket isdisposed adjacent the intersection of the upper edge 120 a and theopposite side edge 120 c-d. As described in more detail below, each ofthe pockets 142 a-b is sized and shaped for receiving and therebycapturing a handle of a conventional trekking pole or other suitablepole.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the front wall 120 includes a central panel144 and a peripheral panel 146 surrounding the central panel 144 anddefining the outer edges of the front wall 120. The central panel 144 ofthe illustrated front wall 120 is made at least in part of a suitablemesh material (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to theinterior chamber 127 of the shell 112. In one suitable embodiment, thecentral panel 144 includes a closure panel (not shown but similar to theclosure panels 140 of the side walls 118) selectively moveable between aclosed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material andan opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the meshmaterial. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using anysuitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop,buttons, and/or snaps).

With reference to FIG. 10, the rear wall 122 of the illustrated shell112 includes a generally semi-circular panel. In one suitableembodiment, the rear wall 122 is made at least in part of a suitablemesh material (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to theinterior chamber 127 of the shell 112. In such an embodiment, the rearwall 122 suitably includes a closure panel (not shown but similar to theclosure panels 140 of the side walls 118) selectively moveable between aclosed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material andan opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the meshmaterial. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using anysuitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop,buttons, and/or snaps). It is contemplated that the rear wall 122 canhave any suitable size and shape.

The floor 124, which is best seen in FIG. 11, is adapted to lie inface-to-face engagement with the ground surface 65 when the tent 110 isin the erect position. In one suitable embodiment, the floor 124includes a generally rectangular floor panel 148 (FIG. 8) and aperipheral side wall 149 that extends upward a suitable distance (e.g.,six inches) from the floor panel 148. The floor 124 is attached, such asby stitching, to the side walls 118, the front wall 120, and the rearwall 122 along an upper edge of the side wall 149. As a result, anyseams or stitch lines formed by attaching the floor 124 to the sidewalls 118, the front wall 120, and the rear wall 122 are spaced from theground surface 65. Floor 124 has a length of preferably approximately 88inches and a width of preferably approximately 26 inches.

In one suitable embodiment, the tent 110 is lightweight. Suitably, thetent 110 is less than 7 pounds, more suitably less than 5 pounds andeven more suitably less than 3 pounds. In one preferable embodiment, thetent 110 is less than 2 pounds. It is understood, however, that in othersuitable embodiments, the tent 110 can weigh more than 7 pounds (i.e.,not be a lightweight tent) without departing from some aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIGS. 13-19 illustrate yet another suitable embodiment of a portablestructure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent, indicatedgenerally at 210. Similar to the tents 10, 110 described above andillustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the tent 210 comprises an elongate shell,rear strut 250, and front struts 252 a-b, which in combination form a“tensegrity” (or tensional integrity) support assembly. The supportassembly of this embodiment is similar to the tensegrity supportassembly 14 described above and illustrated in FIG. 6. As a result, thetensegrity support assembly 14 of this embodiment will not be describedin detail.

As seen in FIGS. 13-15, the shell 212 of the illustrated embodimentincludes a roof 216, a pair of side walls 218, a front wall 220, a rearwall 222 and a floor 224. The roof 216, side walls 218, front wall 220,rear wall 222, and floor 224 cooperatively define an interior chamber227 of the shell 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the interiorchamber 227 is sized and shaped to accommodate one adult occupant. It isunderstood, however, the interior chamber 227 can have any suitable sizeand shape without departing from some aspects of this invention. Inother suitable embodiments, for example, the interior chamber 227 can besized and shaped for accommodating more than one (e.g., two, three, orfour) adult occupant. In the use position, the tent 210, and morespecifically the combination of the shell 212, rear strut 250, and frontstruts 252 a-b, is configured to provide a stable structure even duringharsh conditions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 216 includes a front portion225, a middle portion 226 and a rear portion 228. With reference now toFIGS. 14-16, the front portion 225 of the roof 216 is forward the frontwall 220 of the shell 212 and inclines upward to a top of the front wall220. In this embodiment, the forward end of the front portion 225 isspaced a substantial distance from the ground surface 65. In onesuitable embodiment, the front portion 225 of the roof 216 includes oneor more tie downs 230 a-b (two tie downs being seen in FIG. 14) forsecuring the forward end of the front portion 225 to the ground surface65. The tie downs 230 a-b can be secured to the ground surface 65, forexample, using a conventional tent stake, sand bags, or otherwise (notshown) secured directly or indirectly to the ground surface 65. It isalso contemplated that the tie downs 230 a-b can be secured (e.g., tied)to any suitable structure (not shown) capable of holding the frontportion 225 of the roof 216 in the desired position.

As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the front portion 225 of the roof 216 incooperation with the front wall 220 of the shell 212 defines a coveredarea 232 suitable for storage of gear or other items outside theinterior chamber 227. Thus, the front portion 225 is configured toprovide protection to the front wall 220 of the shell 212 and coveredarea 232 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun). Inthe illustrated embodiment, for example, the front portion 225 isgenerally a trapezoid having an upper edge 225 a where the front portionmeets the middle portion 226, a shorter lower edge 225 b that is spacedcloser to the ground surface 65 than the upper edge 225 a and generallyparallel to the upper edge 225 a, and a pair of tapered side edges 225c-d that extend between and connect the upper and lower edges 225 a-b.As mentioned, the lower edge 225 b of this embodiment is shorter thanthe upper edge 225 a. It is contemplated, however, that the frontportion 225 of the roof 216 can have any suitable size and shape.

With reference now to FIGS. 16-18, the middle portion 226 of the roof216 extends downward from the top of the front wall 220 of the shell 212to adjacent the top of the rear wall 222. In other words, the middleportion 226 of the roof 216 extends between the front and rear walls220, 222 of the shell 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the middleportion 226 transitions from a generally planar surface near the frontwall 220 to a sloped surface near the rear wall 222. In fact, in theillustrated embodiment and as best seen in FIG. 17, the middle portion226 of the roof 216 is generally triangular in cross-section adjacentthe rear wall 222. Middle portion 226 is shaped to include threetriangular panels 226 a-c that make up its generally planar surface andtwo triangular panels 226 d-e that make up its sloped surface. Moreoverand with reference to FIG. 16, the middle portion 226 taperslongitudinally inward as it extends between the front wall 220 and therear wall 222 of the shell 212. As a result, the lateral extent of themiddle portion 226 is greater adjacent the front wall 220 than adjacentthe rear wall 222.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, the rear portion 228 of the roof 216 isrearward of the rear wall 222 of the shell 212 and declines generallyfrom or adjacent to a top of the rear wall 222 toward the ground surface65 upon which the tent 210 is placed. In one suitable embodiment, therear portion 228 of the roof 216 includes one or more tie downs 233 forsecuring the rearward end of the rear portion 228 to the ground surface65. The tie down 233 can be secured to the ground surface 65, forexample, using a conventional tent stake, sand bags, or otherwise (notshown) secured directly or indirectly to the ground surface 65. It isalso contemplated that the tie downs 233 can be secured (e.g., tied) toany suitable structure (not shown) capable of holding the rear portion228 of the roof 216 in the desired position. The rear portion 228 of theroof 216 is configured to provide protection to the rear wall 222 of theshell 212 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun).

With reference now to FIGS. 15 and 18, each of the side walls 218 of theillustrated embodiment of the tent 210 is generally triangular in shape.Specifically, each of the illustrated side walls 218 defines an acutetriangle. As a result of the generally triangular side walls 218, theinterior chamber 227 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 210 has asubstantially greater volume in a head end of the tent 210 as comparedto the volume in a foot end of the tent 210. It is understood, however,that the side walls 218 can have any suitable shape including, e.g., anysuitable quadrilateral without departing from some aspects of thisinvention.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side walls 218 comprises anupper panel 234 and a lower panel 236. The upper panels 234 of theillustrated side walls 218 are made at least in part of a suitable meshmaterial (or screen) 238 to provide ventilation and openness to theinterior chamber 227 of the shell 212. In one suitable embodiment, theupper panel 234 of each of the side walls 218 includes a closure panel(not seen in this embodiment) selectively moveable between a closedposition wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material 238 and anopened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the meshmaterial. The mesh material 238 of at least one of the illustrated sidewalls 218 is selectively moveable between an opened position forallowing users of the tent 210 ingress to and egress from the interiorchamber 227 of the shell 212, and a closed position.

The front wall 220, which can be seen in FIG. 14, is generally anisosceles trapezoid having an upper edge 220 a, a lower edge 220 b, andtwo side edges 220 c-d extending between and connecting the upper andlower edges 220 a, 220 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper edge220 a is longer (i.e., has a greater length) than the lower edge 220 b.Thus, the side edges 220 c-d taper inward as they extend from the longerupper edge 220 a to the shorter lower edge 220 b. It is contemplated,however, that the front wall 220 can have any suitable size and shape.

As in the previously described embodiments, the roof 216 extendslaterally beyond the lower edge of the front wall 220, which is alignedwith the forward edge of the floor 224, to define a drip line DL (FIG.16). In one suitable embodiment, the drip line DL on each side of theillustrated tent 210 is approximately 6.5 inches. It is understood, thatthe drip line DL can be any suitable distance without departing fromsome aspects of this disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the front wall 220 includes a pair of pockets242 a-b. One of the pockets 242 a-b is disposed adjacent theintersection of the upper edge 220 a and one of the side edges 220 c-d,and the other pocket is disposed adjacent the intersection of the upperedge 220 a and the opposite side edge 220 c-d. As described in moredetail below, each of the pockets 242 a-b is sized and shaped forreceiving and thereby capturing a handle of a conventional trekking poleor any other suitable pole (e.g., a conventional tent pole).

Referring now to FIG. 14, the front wall 220 includes a generallytriangular panel 244 and a peripheral panel 246 surrounding thetriangular panel 244 and defining the outer edges of the front wall 220.The triangular panel 244 of the illustrated front wall 220 is made atleast in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) to provideventilation and openness to the interior chamber 227 of the shell 212.In one suitable embodiment, the triangular panel 244 includes a closurepanel (not shown) selectively moveable between a closed position whereinthe closure panel overlies the mesh material and an opened positionwherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. The closurepanel can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener(e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/orsnaps).

With reference to FIG. 17, the rear wall 222 of the illustrated shell212 includes a generally triangular panel. In one suitable embodiment,the rear wall 222 is made at least in part of a suitable mesh material(or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber227 of the shell 212. In such an embodiment, the rear wall 222 suitablyincludes a closure panel (not shown) selectively moveable between aclosed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material andan opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the meshmaterial. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using anysuitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop,buttons, and/or snaps). It is contemplated that the rear wall 222 canhave any suitable size and shape.

The floor 224 is adapted to lie in face-to-face engagement with theground surface 65 when the tent 210 is in the erect position. In onesuitable embodiment, the floor 224 includes a generally rectangularfloor panel 248, which is best seen in FIG. 16, and a peripheral sidewall 249 (FIG. 14) that extends upward a suitable distance (e.g., sixinches) from the floor panel 224. The floor 224 is attached, such as bystitching, to the side walls 218, the front wall 220, and the rear wall222 along an upper edge of the side wall 249 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13 and14). As a result, any seams or stitch lines formed by attaching thefloor 224 to the side walls 218, the front wall 220, and the rear wall222 are spaced from the ground surface 65.

In the illustrated embodiment and as seen in FIG. 14, each of the frontstruts 252 a-b is a conventional trekking pole. In this embodiment, thetrekking poles 252 a-b cross each other along their respective lengthsas they extend from the pockets 242 a-b to the ground surface 65.However, the poles 252 a-b are not directly coupled to each other. Thus,each of the trekking poles is free to move relative to the othertrekking pole. In one suitable embodiment, the trekking poles (or othersuitable pole used for the front struts 252 a-b) can be secured to theground surface 65 or adjacent the ground surface 65 using any suitablemeans. In one embodiment, tips of the trekking poles 252 a-b arepenetrated into the ground surface 65. In another embodiment, the strutsecuring assembly 60 illustrated in FIG. 7 can be used in addition to orinstead of the tip of the trekking pole being penetrated into the groundsurface 65. In the illustrated embodiment, the trekking poles 252 a-bare secured to or adjacent the ground surface 65 using another suitableembodiment, a strut securing assembly, indicated generally at 260. Inthis embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the securing assembly 260 comprises astrip 262 having a plurality of circular grommets 270 secured (e.g.,stitched) to the floor panel 248 of floor 224. The grommets 270 areprovided for capturing the ends of the front struts 252 a-b (e.g., thetip end of the trekking poles in the illustrated embodiment) simply byinserting the end into a desired one of the grommets in the strip 262 asshown in FIGS. 14 and 19. The ends of the front struts 252 a-b can bereadily moved along the length of the strip 262 to accommodate struts(e.g., trekking poles) having various lengths by inserting the end intothe desired grommet 270.

In one suitable embodiment, the tent 210 is lightweight. Suitably, thetent 210 is less than 7 pounds, more suitably less than 5 pounds andeven more suitably less than 3 pounds. It is understood, however, thatin other suitable embodiments, the tent 210 can weigh more than 7 pounds(i.e., not be a lightweight tent) without departing from some aspects ofthis disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, width W1 is preferably approximately 26inches, width W2 is preferably approximately 48 inches, length L1 ispreferably approximately 40 inches, length L2 is preferablyapproximately 47 inches, length L3 is preferably approximately 23inches, length L4 is preferably approximately 78 inches, length L5 ispreferably approximately 47 inches, length L6 is preferablyapproximately 84 inches, length L7 is preferably approximately 88inches, height H1 is preferably approximately 15 inches, height H2 ispreferably approximately 24 inches, height H3 is preferablyapproximately 42 inches, angle X1 is preferably approximately 111degrees, and angle X2 is preferably approximately 98 degrees. It iswithin the scope of the invention for tent 210 to have other suitabledimensions.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, an alternative embodiment of tensegritysupport assembly for use with tent 210 is identified generally as 310.Support assembly 310 includes a rear strut 350 and front struts 352 a-b,which are substantially similar as the rear strut 250 and front struts252 a-b described above. Support assembly 310 also includes a cable orcables 354 extending between the points A-J. Cable(s) 354 are secured tothe ground or another suitable structure at points I and J in a similarmanner as described above with respect to tent 210. Cable(s) 354 are intension and struts 350 and 352 a-b are in compression. Front struts 352a-b are connected by cables 354 extending between points A, B, C, and D.Rear strut 350 is connected to the pair of front struts 352 a-b bycables 354 extending between point G and points C, D through point H.Rear strut 350 is further connected to the pair of front struts 352 a-bby cables 354 extending between point G and points A, B, C, D throughpoints E, F. The pair of front struts 352 a-b and the rear strut 350 areconnected to the ground surface 65 through the respective tie downs atpoints I, J. The cables 354 may be part of a shell including sheets offabric material connected to the cables to provide a covering as shownin FIGS. 13-19 with respect to tent 210.

Referring to at least FIGS. 1-7, in operation, tent 10 is erected inaccordance with the following steps. First, floor 24 is laid out overthe ground surface 65 and straps 51 a-d are staked to the ground surface65. One end of each front strut 52 a-b is then inserted into one ofpockets 42 a-b, and the other end of each front strut 52 a-b is insertedinto grommet 70 (FIG. 7) and/or the ground, which tensions front wall20. The front portion 25 of roof 16 is then loosely staked to the groundvia a tie down (not shown) provided at the midpoint of lower edge 25 bin order to ensure that the front portion 25 is centered with respect tofront wall 20. One of tie downs 30 a-b is then pulled to tension frontportion 25 of roof 16, and the tie down 30 a-b is staked to the ground.Next, the other of tie downs 30 a-b is pulled to tension front portion25 of roof 16, and the tie down 30 a-b is staked to the ground. Thestake may then be removed from the tie down (not shown) at the midpointof lower edge 25 b. Rear strut 50 is inserted into sleeve 47, and theends of rear strut 50 are inserted into the grommets (not shown) instraps 51 c-d thereby tensioning rear wall 22. Tie down 33 is thenpulled to tension the rear portion 28 of roof 16, and tie down 33 isstaked to the ground. Tie downs 30 a-b are pulled and restaked ifnecessary in order to ensure that front portion 25 is centered withrespect to front wall 20. Tents 110 and 210 are erected in a similarmanner.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements. Moreover, the use of “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “below” andvariations of these terms is made for convenience, and does not requireany particular orientation of the components.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth,together with the other advantages which are obvious and which areinherent to the invention.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that allmatters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to beinterpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, variousmodifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein,except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope ofthe claims.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is asfollows:
 1. A portable structure configured for erection with a firstfront strut and a second front strut, comprising: a shell moveablebetween a stowed position and an erect position, wherein a longitudinaldirection of the shell extends between a front edge and a rear edge ofthe shell, and wherein the shell comprises: a first strut coupler thatis positioned adjacent the front edge and that is configured to becoupled to a first front strut; a second strut coupler that ispositioned adjacent the front edge and that is configured to be coupledto a second front strut; a first tension member extending in thelongitudinal direction away from the front edge when the shell is in theerect position; and a second tension member extending in thelongitudinal direction away from the rear edge when the shell is in theerect position, and wherein the first tension member and the secondtension member are each configured to be coupled to at least one of aground surface and an external structure to tension the shell in thelongitudinal direction when the shell is in the erect position; and arear strut coupled to the shell adjacent the rear edge when the shell isin the erect position.
 2. The portable structure of claim 1, wherein theshell further comprises a roof, a front wall coupled to the roof, and arear wall coupled to the roof.
 3. The portable structure of claim 2,wherein the front wall comprises an upper edge, a first side edge, asecond side edge, and a lower edge, wherein the first strut couplercomprises a first pocket positioned adjacent the upper edge and thefirst side edge, and wherein the second strut coupler comprises a secondpocket positioned adjacent the upper edge and the second side edge. 4.The portable structure of claim 3, wherein the upper edge of the frontwall is longer than the lower edge of the front wall.
 5. The portablestructure of claim 2, wherein the shell comprises a pair of side wallseach coupled to the front wall and the roof, and wherein the shellcomprises a floor that is coupled to at least one of the front wall,each of the side walls, and the rear wall.
 6. The portable structure ofclaim 5, wherein at least one of the side walls comprises a door.
 7. Theportable structure of claim 6, wherein a lateral direction of the shellis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein noportion of the structure extends outward in the lateral direction infront of the side wall comprising the door to provide unobstructedaccess to the door.
 8. The portable structure of claim 5, wherein thefloor has a first width and the roof has a second width adjacent thefront wall that is greater than the first width.
 9. The portablestructure of claim 1, wherein the first tension member comprises a firstguyline, and the second tension member comprises a second guyline. 10.The portable structure of claim 1, wherein the first tension membercomprises a sheet coupled to the front edge, wherein the sheet comprisesa tie down that is configured to be coupled to at least one of a groundsurface and an external structure.
 11. The portable structure of claim1, further comprising a first front strut comprising a first end coupledto the first strut coupler and a second end adjacent a ground surface,and a second front strut comprising a first end coupled to the secondstrut coupler and a second end adjacent a ground surface.
 12. Theportable structure of claim 11, wherein, when the shell is in the erectposition, the first front strut forms a first acute angle with respectto a ground surface and the second front strut forms a second acuteangle with respect to a ground surface.
 13. The portable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the rear strut is one of a straight rod or asemicircular hoop.
 14. The portable structure of claim 1, furthercomprising a strut securing assembly coupled to the shell, wherein thestrut securing assembly comprises a third strut coupler that isconfigured to be coupled to a first front strut, and a fourth strutcoupler that is configured to be coupled to a second front strut. 15.The portable structure of claim 14, wherein a lateral direction of theshell is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, whereinthe third strut coupler is spaced from the first strut coupler in thelateral direction, and wherein the fourth strut coupler is spaced fromthe second strut coupler in the lateral direction.
 16. A portablestructure comprising: a shell comprising a roof, a pair of sidewalls, afront wall, a rear wall, and a floor, wherein the roof, the pair ofsidewalls, the front wall, the rear wall, and the floor are configuredto cooperatively define an interior chamber of the shell; and atensegrity support assembly coupled to the shell and configured tosupport the shell, the tensegrity support assembly comprising a firststrut, a second strut, a rear strut, and a plurality of tension memberscoupled to and extending between at least two of the first strut, thesecond strut, and the rear strut.
 17. The portable structure of claim16, wherein the roof comprises an awning laterally extending outwardtherefrom and beyond the pair of sidewalls.
 18. The portable structureof claim 16, further comprising a first strut coupler coupled to theshell and removably coupled to the first strut and a second strutcoupler coupled to the shell and removably coupled to the second strut.19. The portable structure of claim 16, further comprising a first strutcoupler coupled to the shell and configured to reciprocally receive thefirst strut and a second strut coupler coupled to the shell andconfigured to reciprocally receive the second strut.
 20. A portablestructure configured for erection with a first front strut and a secondfront strut, comprising: a shell moveable between a stowed position andan erect position, wherein the shell comprises a roof, a front wallcoupled to the roof, a rear wall coupled to the roof, a pair of sidewalls each coupled to the front wall and the roof, and a floor coupledto the front wall, the rear wall, and each of the side walls, wherein alongitudinal direction of the shell extends between the front wall andthe rear wall, wherein the front wall comprises an upper edge, a firstside edge, a second side edge, and a lower edge, wherein the front wallcomprises a first strut coupler positioned adjacent the upper edge andthe first side edge, wherein the first strut coupler is configured to becoupled to a first front strut, wherein the front wall comprises asecond strut coupler positioned adjacent the upper edge and the secondside edge, wherein the second strut coupler is configured to be coupledto a second front strut, wherein the roof comprises a first tensionmember extending in the longitudinal direction away from the front wallwhen the shell is in the erect position, wherein the roof comprises asecond tension member extending in the longitudinal direction away fromthe rear wall when the shell is in the erect position.